“I just figured it’s not that big a deal anymore. And I’d be able to protect myself and the ones I loved.”
Seb might as well have put a knife through Tim’s heart; the pain felt like a real, tangible thing as it tore through his chest. “Not that big a deal?” he whispered.
Seb’s brow furrowed as though he didn’t understand Tim’s problem. “Yeah. I like you. I know you like me. So we’d be bonded. Everyone’s happy.”
“I don’t justlikeyou, Sebastian.” Tim stood up quickly, making his chair screech across the floor. “Iloveyou. I would give anything for you to ask me to bite you, to have you as my bonded mate. There’s nothing I want more. But only if you love me back, not because you feel you have no other option.”
He covered his face with his hands, trying not to fall apart. A deep breath in filled his lungs with Sebastian andpain, and it was too much. “If you’re serious about wanting the bite—and it’s not just the painkillers talking—speak to Cam. I’m sure he’d agree and would organise the necessary paperwork.” He turned and headed for the door. “I need to go. I think Nathan and Jared are coming in the morning. Night, Sebastian.”
“Tim, wait—”
Tim stopped with his hand on the door. “What?”
“I—”
Tim waited. Waited for Seb to tell him that he loved him too.
The room remained silent. Tim pressed his forehead against the door, collected himself as much as he could, then left.
David stood just outside. The hospital rooms were soundproofed to some extent, but that close, David had probably heard most of it. Grasping Tim’s shoulder, he pulled him in for a quick hug. “You going home?”
Tim sighed. “Yeah. Need to talk to Alec, see if they’ve had any luck finding Kelly, but I’ll call him from the car.”
“Okay. Will I see you tomorrow?”
Although he’d had every intention of coming back first thing in the morning, Tim wasn’t sure now. “Maybe.”
“He’s on pain medication, Tim. Don’t take everything he said to heart.” David patted him on the arm.
Tim nodded. “Yeah, I know.”
“Go home, get some sleep. I’ll call you if anything happens.”
“Thanks.”
Tim arrived at the hospital ten minutes before visiting hours the next morning. There was never any doubt he’d be there, and David probably knew it, because he smiled when he saw Tim walking towards him.
“Thought I’d see you bright and early.”
“What are you doing here, anyway? Thought you worked till twelve last night?”
David yawned on cue. “I did, but a couple of nurses called in sick this morning, so I offered to cover a shift.” He accompanied Tim down the long corridor that led to Seb’s room.
The door stood ajar about an inch. Several voices sounded inside, and Tim recognised them all. Turning to David, he gestured inside with his thumb and mouthed, “When did they get here?”
“About twenty minutes ago.”
Fuck.Tim had been hoping to get some alone time with Seb before everyone showed up. The conversation paused inside, a sure sign that the shifters in the room knew he’d arrived.
Seconds later the door opened wide and Alec stood there, his expression a little strained. “Are you coming in?”
Tim nodded, then turned to David. “I’ll catch you later, yeah?”
“Nope.” David put his hands on the small of Tim’s back and gave him a little shove into the room. “I need to check a few things before—”
“David,” Alec interrupted. His warning tone sent a ripple of unease down Tim’s spine. “Is there anywhere private where I can talk to Tim for a second?”
“Yeah.” David pointed behind him. “Third door on the left. It’s the toilet, but it’s probably the most heavily soundproofed room around.”
